{"id":1761976,"date":"2025-10-26T09:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T09:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instatext.io\/?p=1761976"},"modified":"2026-02-04T14:49:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:49:03","slug":"what-reviewers-mean-by-unclear-writing-and-how-to-fix-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instatext.io\/what-reviewers-mean-by-unclear-writing-and-how-to-fix-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What reviewers mean by ‘unclear writing’ \u2013 and how to fix it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever received feedback from a reviewer who simply said \u201cunclear<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 and wondered what exactly they meant<\/strong>? We understand that this is one of the most discouraging comments you can get in an academic peer review. After all, you may have invested weeks or months in your work only to hear that your writing is \u201cunclear\u201d or \u201cdifficult to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These comments can feel vague and unhelpful \u2013 especially if you knew exactly what you meant when you wrote. The truth is that \u201cunclear writing\u201d doesn’t usually refer to your ideas<\/strong>, but to the way those ideas are presented<\/strong>. It’s a shorthand that reviewers use when something in your text makes them pause<\/strong>, reread<\/strong>, or struggle<\/strong> to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that clarity can be learned<\/strong> and strengthened. Once you understand the main issues that often lead to \u201cunclear writing,\u201d you can correct them. And when you do, your research will come across as sharper, more convincing, and more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issues that lead to unclear writing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weak structure and flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common reason<\/strong> why a writing feels unclear is a weak structure<\/strong>. When ideas come up in a confusing order, readers can’t understand the argument you’re trying to build. A paper may jump between topics, repeat points, or drift away from its main argument. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best solution is to treat the structure as a foundation<\/strong>, not as an afterthought. Create an outline before you start writing and make sure that each section has a clear purpose. Use headings, topic sentences, and transitions within the text to guide the reader. Think of yourself as a guide leading someone along a path \u2013 they should never wonder where they are or why they are there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: How to write a solid research paper outline<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overly long or complex sentences<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common issue is long, tangled sentences<\/strong>. Academic writers often try to fit too many ideas into one line, filling it with clauses, qualifiers, and side thoughts. As a result, readers have to pause and reread the text, which interrupts their understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a sentence is not immediately understandable, it probably needs to be revised. Divide complex thoughts<\/strong> into shorter sentences and delete extra words<\/strong> that make little sense. Writing is clearest when each sentence directly communicates one idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive jargon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Technical terms and acronyms <\/strong>are part of academic writing, but if they are overused<\/strong>, they can quickly become overwhelming. Even experts in your field will struggle if every sentence is packed with jargon. Reviewers don’t want to be impressed by difficult vocabulary \u2013 they want to understand your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If necessary, you can still use technical terms, but define them<\/strong> when they first appear and use simple language<\/strong> where possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, \u201ccollaborative approaches to cognitive behavioral therapy\u201d<\/em> is much clearer than \u201csynergistic paradigms of cognitive behavioral interventions.\u201d<\/em> Both are correct, but one invites the reader in while the other pushes them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ambiguous pronouns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Words like \u201cthis,\u201d \u201cit,\u201d and \u201cthey\u201d are small but powerful sources of confusion<\/strong>. If it is not clear what they refer to, the reader is left in the dark.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take this example: \u201cThe new policy had several unforeseen consequences, including delays in the project. This caused frustration among the team.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u201cthis\u201d refer to \u2013 the policy, the consequences, or the delays? Adding one noun solves the problem: \u201cThis delay caused frustration among the team.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always make sure pronouns point to something specific<\/strong>, not to a vague idea.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Passive voice and noun-heavy writing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Passive voice and noun-heavy writing<\/strong> make a text harder to follow. They are not always wrong, but using them too often creates distance and weakens clarity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compare: \u201cThe results were analysed by the researcher\u201d <\/em>and \u201cThe researcher analysed the results.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is clearer and more direct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nominalisations<\/strong> \u2013 turning verbs into nouns<\/strong> \u2013 have the same effect. \u201cThe implementation of the plan will lead to an improvement of efficiency\u201d<\/em> is heavier and harder to process than \u201cImplementing the plan will improve efficiency.\u201d Clear writing puts actors and actions up front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missing transitions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the individual sentences are clear, but the text as a whole seems disjointed. This happens when transitions between ideas are missing<\/strong>. The reader wonders how one section is connected to the next, and your argument seems interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transitions act like signposts. Words such as “however,” “for example,” or “as a result” show how ideas are connected. Clear topic sentences also guide the reader, and even a brief reminder of how a point supports your argument can keep them on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vague or imprecise language<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, vague wording<\/strong> often earns the \u201cunclear\u201d label. Terms like \u201ca small improvement,\u201d \u201cvery high,\u201d or \u201csignificant results\u201d mean different things to different people. Without details, readers are left guessing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specific statements are always clearer<\/strong>. Instead of \u201cWe had a large sample,\u201d<\/em> say \u201cWe had 300 participants.\u201d<\/em> Instead of \u201cThe method significantly improved the results,\u201d<\/em> write \u201cThe method improved the yield by 25%.\u201d<\/em> Precise language leaves no room for doubt and strengthens your credibility.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: How to make your writing more readable for academic success<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of clearer writing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consider these examples of how to improve unclear sentences<\/strong>. Small changes \u2013 shorter sentences, active voice, and precise nouns \u2013 make the text easier to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u274c Original <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn light of the fact that numerous contributing factors were operational, the ultimate outcome of the experiment was demonstrated to be less predictable than initially hypothesised.\u201d <\/em>
<\/em>
\u2705 Revision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause many factors were at play, the outcome of the experiment was less predictable than expected.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u274c Original<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe proliferation of nominalisations in a discursive formation may be an indication of a tendency toward pomposity and abstraction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Revision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcessive use of abstract nouns can make writing pompous and overly abstract.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u274c Original<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeveral new statistical techniques were applied in the analysis, improving the results. This was significant for the field.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Revision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeveral new statistical techniques improved the results. This improvement is significant for the field.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How InstaText helps with clarity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clarity improves with practice<\/strong>, but it’s also helpful to have tools that highlight problems as you write. InstaText<\/strong>, an advanced editing assistant<\/strong>, was developed with this goal in mind. It focuses on clarity, fluency, and readability \u2013 the very areas where reviewers most often find fault. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your sentences are too long, InstaText suggests splitting them up. If your phrasing is vague, it offers sharper alternatives. If your writing relies too much on passive voice, it can suggest active versions. It also proposes smoother transitions to make your paragraphs flow better. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Unlike generative AI, InstaText does not generate content.<\/strong> Using advanced language technologies, it only works with your text<\/strong> and refines it to make it clearer and more natural without changing your meaning. This makes it safe for academic contexts <\/strong>where originality and authorship<\/strong> matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another advantage is the side-by-side format<\/strong>. You can see your original text next to the suggested version, accept what helps, and ignore what does not. Over time, this interactive process<\/strong> helps you recognise your own habits and write more clearly on your own while keeping you cognitively engaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: How InstaText improves writing and cognitive skills<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For researchers, the benefits are practical. Submissions go through fewer rounds of revision. Reviewers spend their time evaluating your ideas instead of puzzling over your sentences. And because clearer texts are easier to read, your work can reach and influence more people.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Phases
The main phases of the writing process are drafting, editing, and proofreading.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Editing support for non-English languages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you write in languages other than English, you can use InstaText too. While English is our most advanced, professional-grade service, we also support Portuguese, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-English editing is constantly improving as we gather more data and feedback. Please review the edits and use your judgment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercises to practice clearer writing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Improving clarity is an active skill. Here are a few exercises you can try with your own drafts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n